Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)

So far there have been 20 expressions of interest, leading to seven firm proposals being submitted by developers. Contracts for funding of three of those projects will be issued within a few weeks. Four proposals are currently the subject of technical and business evaluation. Funding decisions will be made in light of these evaluations. The expenditure on the prototype fund in 2009 is projected to be at least €4 million. With regard to the moneys, there is little point in me repeating what I have said about finance. Obviously, given our difficult financial situation, the Department is taking a keen interest in what Departments are spending.

The point of view of the Department is that ocean energy offers great potential. It needs investment and we will make every effort to ensure that not only do we have the right people in place, but also that we provide the necessary funds. The supports we are providing this year include €1 million towards the world class state-of-the-art national ocean energy facility in UCC and €2 million to support and develop the grid connected wave energy site near Belmullet in County Mayo, which is very important.

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